The Fall - Book 2

210. 'Cutest Aunt Ever'.

MAY 19, 2020  - AVENGERS COMPOUND - RÉA

"Sooo," I draw out the word as I look up at Bucky. "I was thinking...."

"Go on, doll."

"Okay. So, like I said, I was thinking...I know I said we should tell Tony and Pepper, and Steve, and Nat, the day before the rehearsal dinner...but we're a day shy of twelve weeks along, and I was wondering if...could we tell Tony and Pepper today?"

He nods. "Yes." He pauses. "You probably already have a plan for that, don't you?"

"I mean, we're going up there for supper...I kind of thought we could tell them then."

"I think that's a good idea. I know you have the announcement gift ready...I'm also going to bring their copy of the sonogram from today's ultrasound; I've already checked, and it's the perfect size to fit in the pocket of my shirt."

"Also...could we tell Steve and Nat tomorrow?" I continue after he's finished speaking. "I just feel like Nat is going to need more than a day to adjust. Like I said before, I know she's going to be ecstatic for us...and I know this is going to bring up things for her. I just want to make sure she has more than a day to process things before we tell the others. And I think we should let her know that she can talk to Bruce; that she doesn't have to keep it a secret from him. You and I both know that he won't say anything...and, honestly, this might bring up stuff for him as well."

Bucky nods again. "I agree. I also think we should talk with Nat before Steve. My gut just says that's the right thing to do."

With that settled, I rest my head back on Bucky's shoulder, letting out a quiet sigh of contentment. We're cuddled together on my couch, in our usual position, watching Fern Gully: The Last Rainforest...well, I say watching, but once I'm comfortable, it doesn't take me long to doze off.

I wake in my bed, barely opening one eye to see my fiancé lying beside me, his hand resting on my still-flat stomach as he whispers to our little one, so quietly I can barely hear it.

"Your grandparents are going to be so excited about you, Mac Tíre Beag. Especially with the way your mom is going to tell them." He pauses. "She's so creative, and thoughtful. And I'm sure you already love her so much, but just wait until you meet her...you'll love her even more. She's kind, and smart, and funny, and has so much love to give. You're so lucky she's your mom."

Warmth blooms in my chest, and tears prick my eyes. "Thank you, Bucky," I sniffle, touched by his words. "I could say the exact same things about you being his dad."

"I'm just being honest." He moves up the mattress and gives me a soft kiss. "And you're still insisting on her being a him, huh?" he playfully teases.

"We'll find out in a couple of months...and you'll realise I'm right," I tease back.

"You mean you'll realise that I'm right, but okay." He grins and kisses my nose, then slides off of the bed, holding his hand out to me. "Come on, doll...time to head upstairs."

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I get the perfect chance to put my announcement plan into motion without raising suspicion when Morgan needs changing.

"I'll take care of her; you just enjoy your meal," I tell Pepper as she starts to stand.

"Thank you, sweetie."

Cradling my baby sister in my arms, I make my way into her nursery, changing her and washing my hands before blinking us both to my suite. There, I dress her in the outfit I got her, then blink us back to her nursery, depositing her previous outfit in the hamper before returning to the dining room. I settle Morgan back into her bouncer, securely strapping her in, then take my seat.